BMW i7 prototype harnesses solid-state battery

BMW is edging closer to introducing pioneering solid-state batteries, with testing now underway of its i7 prototype.

Announcing that the limo is fitted with its latest all-solid-state-battery (ASSB) cells developed in conjunction with US-based Solid Power, the new batteries are set to be more compact than current tech, while being lighter and possessing a higher energy density.

Other battery-makers have already found their experimental batteries offer at least a 50 per cent increase in range compared to current lithium-ion tech.

Without a liquid electrolyte, solid-state cells are highly resistant to both fire and explosions when damaged.

The composition of the cells also means they can be recharged at higher rates than conventional technology leading to ultra-fast charging times.

Finally, solid-state batteries are said to be far cheaper to manufacture, leading them to be considered a key piece of technology that will lead to widespread acceptance of EVs.

“Solid Power is extremely proud that our partnership with BMW has resulted in the first demonstration of truly all-solid-state battery cells in a vehicle,” said John Van Scoter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Solid Power.

According to the brand, the i7 prototype will evaluate real-world effects on the advanced battery, including how the cells expand with heat and how well the batteries maintain optimal operating temperatures.

It’s thought both range and efficiency will also be recorded, as well as how quickly the BMW limo will charge using public chargers.

Neither the German brand nor Solid Power have revealed when BMW will launch its first vehicle powered by the battery tech, but previously both Volkswagen and Stellantis have announced that they expect to start mass-producing solid-state batteries in 2027, while Nissan says the tech will be powering its cars from 2028.

Beating them all to market will be the Chinese.

SAIC, MG’s parent, has already announced its solid-state-powered cars will arrive as soon as this year.

The car giant’s IM L6 sedan already employs a pioneering semi-solid-state pack that sees it cover up to 800km on a single charge.

Chery, meanwhile, says its next-gen batteries will be ready from 2026 with an energy density of 600Wh/kg – almost three times as powerful as the typical 220Wh/kg lithium-ion battery.

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